Gryphon's Eyrie # with A. C. Crispin by Andre Norton

Author:Andre Norton [Norton, Andre]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Fantasy, General, Science Fiction
ISBN: 9780812531695
Publisher: Tor Fantasy
Published: 1984-01-02T00:00:00+00:00

VII

Fear was my only close companion as I rode. Far ahead of me I could see Kerovan, but his face, as it had been since we had awakened this morning, was set to the northeast; he did not look back.

I sighed, feeling hunger pinch my middle. Soon I must call to him, demand that we rest, eat. When circumstances concerned me alone, I might push to the point of exhaustion and beyond, but not now. My child—our child, I corrected myself fiercely—required that I take greater care than I might otherwise have done. The sun lay warm to my left, for noon had come and gone, yet still I shivered, thinking of the morning past. I stroked the neck of the mare I bestrode, biting my lip. I would not—would not weep.

The Kioga had gathered around as we walked through the heart of the camp, dressed for the trail, our packs slung upon our backs. Jonka had been the first to question me—for the closed look upon my lord's face had warned her away from any inquiries aimed at him.

"Cera Joisan, what chances? You are leaving?"

"Yes, Jonka, we must." I was faintly surprised to see Kerovan nod. At times it seemed that ordinary speech—or even simple understanding—lay beyond his control, so fierce was the force gripping him. "Our thanks for all your hospitality. We will never forget you." I paused, controlling my voice. "Gunnora's Blessing on all of you." I drew a sign in the air, saw it take shape, faintly glowing—and some distant part of me marked Nidu's surprise and felt a wry pleasure that the Shaman had by so much underestimated my Power.

"Our thanks lie with you, Cera Joisan. And with your lord."

Kerovan turned, seeming like some stick-figure controlled by strings such as children play with, to stare at the distant northeast horizon. Jonka's eyes narrowed. "I see that you are in some haste, Lady. If you can bide but a moment, L have something that will aid your journeying. Can you tarry?"

I took my lord's arm, holding him where he was, though I tried to make that gesture appear merely one of affection. "Certainly, Jonka."

Jonka was swift. Moments later we had been given rations of journeybread and smoked meat left over from the feasting the previous night—how long ago that seemed now! Under my urging Kerovan managed to eat, swallow some fruit juice, while I forced myself to do likewise. When I felt a gentle tug at my pack, I turned, found Valona opening it to thrust therein a good-sized packet. "Food for your travels, Cera Joisan. I will miss you."

I touched the little girl's fine dark hair, finding it again difficult to swallow the sobs rising to choke me. "Thank you, dear heart. So will I also miss you."

For a moment she buried her face against my jerkin, then she was gone. I straightened to find Terlys before me, her husband Rigon beside her. My friend held the bridle of a beautiful chestnut mare. As I

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